Dementia: problem, risks, effects, and management

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I had met my classmate around 4 months back and informed her also about my mom's death. But in a recent email, she wrote to me that I had met her a couple of years back. She also enquired about my mom. Seeing her email, the first thought that came to my mind was: is she suffering from early dementia. I hope not. Maybe, she just forgot about the time that I had met her a few months back. Maybe because it was a hurried and surprise visit.  Nonetheless, dementia is on the rise. It affects people after 60 years of age. The increased life expectancy means that one will see more of such cases in the near future.  India has around 10 million dementia cases out of the world total of 57 million. This is a huge percentage. It affects not only an individual but the whole family. There is this individual who is physically okay but mentally absent. The person needs custodial care and it could turn out to be expensive. It is also emotionally disturbing to see your loved one in that state of...
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Greener inhalers save the environment and also the cost!

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 Green alternatives for inhalers for asthma can effectively reduce greenhouse emissions and help the future of this planet. Read on to know how. 

Greener alternatives for asthma

Asthma care is heavily dependent on inhalers. They are essential for asthmatics and can be life-saving for them. But everything comes for a price and also potential side-effects. The inhalers use hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants to generate the mist. These atomize the active drug and pump it out for inhalational use of the patient. They reach the lungs for desired action. 

But HFAs are potent greenhouse gases. A UK study has shown that 3.9% of the carbon footprint of the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom comes from these inhalers. Besides, they are also costlier than other forms of inhalational therapy for these asthmatics. 

What are the eco-friendly alternatives?

Eco-preserving or greener alternatives exist for asthma that are equally effective. These include dry powder inhalers and aqueous mist inhalers. 

Dry powder inhalers are eco-friendly and cheaper (Source: Researchgate)



The University of Cambridge researchers found that  metered-dose inhalers gave around 10-37 times more greenhouse gases than that emitted by dry powder inhalers prescribed and used. And replacing just 1 out of 10 inhalers diminished carbon dioxide emissions by 58 kilotonnes. This is same as 180,000 car trips from London to Edinburgh the distance of which is around 400 miles. This change also cuts cost by $10.5 million in one year. 

Individual benefits

Dry powder inhalers are also good and effective and safe. Besides, this one change would cut down the exposure to 330 to 882 pounds of CO2 a year for the person. Dr. Alexander Wilkinson, a consultant in respiratory medicine at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust in Stevenage, England states:

"Any move towards 'greener' inhalers would need to ensure that replacements were cost-effective," 

"By switching to less expensive brands, we've shown that it would still be possible to make a positive impact on carbon emissions while at the same time reducing drug costs,"

But ensure that the change-over is gradual and smooth and not abrupt. 

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